Christantus Uche Sparks Comfortable Palace Victory at Irish Side Shelbourne.
Even though embarking on their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace are adapting very quickly. Missing star figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club left Dublin with a comfortable win that virtually guarantees them a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS should be enough to seal direct entry to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous stumble against Strasbourg.
Fringe Players Seize the Opportunity
This occasion provided a chance for several Palace's fringe players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second start after arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the scoring with a well-taken finish. Forward Eddie Nketiah contributed a another, scoring for the second consecutive match.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with leg problems.
Dominance Established from the Outset
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A flowing passing sequence in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple finish.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close minutes later, fizzing a long-range effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently appealed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
The formerArsenal striker did not have wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
The home side were clinging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to avoid a booking for a couple of agricultural tackles on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
Pino Seals the Game
The match was as good as over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before coolly dispatching a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw several players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse almost scoring with his very first touch, only to see his effort blocked.
The youngster was desperately unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This paved the way for 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, rounding off an otherwise perfect night for the visiting side.
